Rachael Stirling and Diana Rigg to star in new series of Doctor Who

Dame Diana Rigg and her daughter Rachael Stirling are both set to star in the seventh series of Doctor Who.

The announcement was made on Twitter this morning with the @bbcdoctorwho account posting a tweet reading: ‘Mother and daughter Dame Diana Rigg and Rachael Stirling will star in the new series of #DoctorWho! More news follows shortly!’

Rachael Stirling and her mother Dame Diana Rigg will appear in the next series of Doctor Who

It is not yet known exactly what roles the duo will take on, however, they will play a mother and daughter with a dark secret.

Commenting on the news, Steven Moffat, executive producer and head writer on Doctor Who, said: ‘Dame Diana Rigg, Rachael Stirling and a Mark Gatiss script – a combination of talents you could only get in Doctor Who!

‘Frankly, I’m terrified already!’

Rachael added: ‘Mark Gatiss has written a gift of a script and an on-screen relationship between Ma and I that is truly delicious.’

Dame Diana is best known for her starring role as Emma Peel in The Avengers and Rachael has had roles in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Snow White and the Huntsman.

The pair will join Doctor Who stars Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman for filming this week and the episode will be aired next year.